Caraway Council OKs extra holiday

Caraway Mayor Barry Riley distributed copies of a proposed 2009 city budget when the city council met Thursday, Nov. 20, in short session.

"The 2009 budget is very conservative," Riley said. "I think we need to wait until the new council members come on board to make a final decision on it."

Alderman Bo James requested the salary for another police officer be included in the budget.

"Streets will be a priority next year, and our big project for the year," Riley said.

"Our employees have quite a dilemma with Christmas being on a Thursday this year," Riley said. "They were willing to work on Wednesday, Christmas Eve, in order to get off on Friday after Christmas. I think the city should pay them an extra day so they can be off Wednesday and Friday."

The council agreed to pay employees for the extra day.

Fire Department payments per incident were set at $15 in the city and $5 in the county. Alderman John Boatman, Diane Powell and Marvin Browning voted for the rates and Bo James voted against. The motion carried.

The Caraway Christmas Parade is set for 6 p.m. Dec. 13.

Jerry Murphy requested the city help with expenses this year for the Lion's Club Christmas baskets of food and canned goods.

"There are a lot of hungry people this year, and the Lion's Club could use some help," Murphy said. "They do a fantastic job. The city gives to Relay for Life and other things, and I think they could help with this."

Mayor Riley agreed to consult the city's lawyer to see if it was advisible.

The council will present a new camera law from the Justice Network for consideration at the December meeting.

A free community Thanksgiving dinner will he provided at the New Hope Baptist Church at noon on Thursday, Nov. 27.

The next regularly scheduled council meeting will be 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at city hall.